Method and apparatus for humidification and warming of air

ABSTRACT

A method of humidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generating turbulence in the gas as it passes over the surface of the humidification material.

[0001] Applicants claim, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), the benefit ofpriority of the filing date of Jun. 30, 2000 of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/215,442, filed on the aforementioned date, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method used tohumidify and/or warm a gas prior to its use in a surgical or othermedical procedure.

[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art

[0005] Many medical and surgical procedures require the supply to apatient of warmed and/or humidified gas at constant high flow rates.Ideally, the flow rate should be approximately 20 liters per minute, therelative humidity should be approximately 80 to 100 percent, and thetemperature approximately 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Most prior artdevices cannot meet or exceed these ideal characteristics. The flow rateof many prior devices is well below 20 liters per minute. Commonly, theflow rate of prior devices has been generally 12 to 14 liters perminute. Most of these devices generally operate by forcing the gasthrough the humidification material, thereby requiring a high degree ofpressure. This increased pressure reduces the flow rate of the gas evenfurther.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] One aspect of the present invention regards a gas humidificationapparatus that includes an inlet, a humidification device in fluidcommunication with the inlet, the humidification device having ahumidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readilyreleases moisture when exposed to a dry environment, wherein thehumidification material has a configuration that generates turbulence ina gas as it passes over a surface of the humidification material and anoutlet in fluid communication with the humidification device.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention regards a gashumidification apparatus that includes an inlet, a humidification devicein fluid communication with the inlet, the humidification device havinga humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readilyreleases moisture when exposed to a dry environment, wherein thehumidification material is placed within a shell that has aconfiguration that generates turbulence in a gas as it passes over asurface of the shell and an outlet in fluid communication with thehumidification device.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention regards a gashumidification apparatus that includes an inlet, a humidification devicein fluid communication with the inlet, the humidification device havinga heater housing that includes a heater and a plurality of openings. Ahumidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readilyreleases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and an outlet influid communication with the humidification device.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention regards a gashumidification apparatus that includes inlet means for supplying a gas,turbulence means for generating turbulence in the gas and outlet meansfor expelling the turbulent gas from the gas humidification apparatus.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention regards a method ofhumidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of ahumidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readilyreleases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generatingturbulence in gas as it passes over the surface of the humidificationmaterial.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention regards a method ofhumidifying a gas that includes warming a gas, humidifying the gas andplacing a catheter in fluid communication with the gas during thehumidifying.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention regards a gas apparatusthat includes an inlet, a heater in fluid communication with the inletand a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of a gas that flowswithin the gas apparatus in an indirect manner.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present invention regards a method ofhumidifying a gas that includes warming a gas, humidifying the gas andflowing the gas over a surface of a humidifier.

[0014] Each of the above aspects provides the advantage of supplying apatient with warmed and/or humidified gas at or near preferred rates,humidity and/or temperature.

[0015] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the inventionwill become further apparent from the following detailed description ofthe presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a gas warmer and/or humidifierapparatus according to the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a gas warmer and/or humidifierapparatus according to the present invention having a plurality ofbaffles in the shell;

[0018]FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a gas warmer and/or humidifierapparatus according to the present invention having an externaltemperature or humidity sensor;

[0019]FIG. 4 shows a cross section perspective view of a gas warmerand/or humidifier apparatus;

[0020]FIG. 5 shows a perspective exploded view of a fourth embodiment ofgas humidification apparatus according to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 6 shows a right top side perspective view of the gashumidification apparatus of FIG. 5;

[0022]FIG. 7 shows a right bottom side perspective view of the gashumidification apparatus of FIG. 5;

[0023]FIG. 8 shows a top view of the gas humidification apparatus ofFIG. 5;

[0024]FIG. 9 shows a right side view of the gas humidification apparatusof FIG. 5;

[0025]FIG. 10 shows a front view of the gas humidification apparatus ofFIG. 5;

[0026]FIG. 11 shows a rear side perspective view of the gashumidification apparatus of FIG. 5;

[0027]FIG. 12 shows a top view of an embodiment of a humidificationmaterial to be used with the gas humidification apparatus of FIG. 5;

[0028]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of gashumidification apparatus according to the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 14 shows a side view of the gas humidification apparatus ofFIG. 13;

[0030]FIG. 15 shows a partially exposed side view of the gashumidification apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0031]FIG. 16 shows a right front side and partially exposed perspectiveview of the gas humidification apparatus of FIG. 13;

[0032]FIG. 17 shows a right rear side and partially exposed perspectiveview of the gas humidification apparatus of FIG. 13; and

[0033]FIG. 18 shows a circuit diagram of heating circuit that can beused with the gas humidification apparatus/gas warmer and/or heaterapparati of FIGS. 1-17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034]FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the gas warmer and humidificationapparatus . FIG. 1 shows the apparatus used in conjunction with aninsufflation device. FIGS. 1-3 show the apparatus 1 associated with theinsufflation tubing 10. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus islocated downstream from the gas source for the insufflation device wheredownstream refers to a location closer to output of the insufflationtubing 10 or a patient. The apparatus 1 has an upstream end locatednearer to the gas source and a downstream end located closer to thepatient. The gas warmer and humidifier apparatus 1 may be constructed asa re-useable or disposable product.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, a gas inlet port 12 islocated at an upstream end of the apparatus 1 and associable with theinsufflation tubing 10. A plurality of plugs 14 may also be located atthe upstream end of the apparatus 1. The plugs 14 may be male leads forassociation with the heater 18 and/or a thermocouple and/or othersuitable sensing devices. It is to be understood that the location atthe upstream end is variable and other locations consistent with thecharacteristics of the plugs 14 are envisioned.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the general arrangement of one embodimentof the apparatus 1 follows. The apparatus 1 includes a heater 18.Surrounding the heater 18 is a core 20. The core 20 maintains the heater18 in a significantly watertight environment. About the core 20 is ahumidification material 24. The humidification material 24 generallyenvelops the entire core 20. The humidification material 24 may onlypartially envelop the core 20 as well. A shell 26, acting as a housing,surrounds humidification material 24. At the downstream end of theapparatus 1 may be a gas outlet 28 associable with a downstream portionof the insufflation tube I0.

[0037] The heater 18 of the above embodiment may include a conventionalcartridge heater, a heat generating wire, a light bulb, or other heatgenerating device capable of creating an elevated temperature that canradiate from the surface of the heater. As shown in FIG. 1, the heater18 is insertable within a core 20 of non-conductive material. In furtherembodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the heater 18 and plugs 14 are moldedinto a single assembly that is then molded with the core 20 to make asingle unit.

[0038] The heater 18 can be a metal structure with integral sensingelements or external sensing elements. It can also be molded of a hightemperature resistant plastic. Either the metal or the plastic heater 18is disposable, although the lower cost of the plastic heater 18 maybetter suit it as a disposable heater 18. Further, the disposability orre-usability of the apparatus 1 aids in maintaining the apparatus 1sterile for any purposes that may require a sterile apparatus 1.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the heater 18 has approximately 36watts of power although heaters 18 with other wattage, such as between10 watts and 50 watts, can also be used. The heater 18 typically isapproximately 1 to 5 inches long, preferably approximately ½ to 3 incheslong, but other sizes can be used depending on the physical size of theother components, and the amount of humidity to be generated. As shownin FIGS. 1-4 and 18, the heater 18 may be connected to control circuitry100 controls the amount of heat and rate of heat generated by the heater18. As shown in FIG. 18, the control circuitry 100 includes one or moretemperature sensors 102 and a control system 104 to regulate the degreeof energy supplied to the heater 18 by modulating the current suppliedto the heater via turning on/off the current and raising or lowering thecurrent. In the case of using two temperature sensors 102, thetemperature sensors 102 each independently measure the temperature ofthe core 20. The temperature signals from temperature sensors 102 arecontinuously fed to amplifiers 105. The two signals are compared witheach other and if it is determined that the difference between thesignals reaches or exceeds a predetermined level, such as 5° C., thenthe control system 104 turns off the current drivers 106 and the currentsupplied to the heater 18. The current drivers 106 are turned offbecause reaching or exceeding the predetermined level denotes that oneor both of the sensors 102 are defective and need to be replaced.

[0040] Assuming that the sensors 102 are not deemed defective, thecontrol system 104 includes four identical current drivers 106 that arein parallel with one another as shown in FIG. 18. Each driver 106provides an output that is identical with the outputs of the other threedrivers 106. The control system 104 will drive each of the outputs ofthe current drivers 106 with approximately a 25% duty cycle wave shape.The four drivers combined will provide approximately 100% drive to theheater 18. Each driver 106 includes a capacitor 108 of 1000 pF inparallel with a fuse 110. The capacitors 108 direct the current duringits respective 25% duty cycle away from its corresponding fuse 110. Inthe event that a single driver 106 fails, allowing continuous currentflow, the corresponding capacitor 108 will charge up and allow currentto flow through the corresponding fuse 110. In less than approximately 2seconds, the fuse 110 in the driver circuit 106 will create an opencircuit, thus preventing uncontrolled current to flow to the heater 18.

[0041] In one embodiment, the apparatus 1 can have wiring to the heater18 permanently attached. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 1, theapparatus 1 can have wiring to the heater 18 constructed with anintegral connector that can be molded into the apparatus 1 orconnected/disconnected via a one time use tab connection system. In yetanother embodiment, the apparatus 1 can have wiring to the heater 18with the terminations molded into a natural connector, so that thecabling can be plugged into it, reducing its cost. The electronic wiringused to provide power and to measure the temperature or humidity can bewired directly to the active elements and over molded. In the preferredembodiment, the output wires will be molded or inserted into the shell26 in order to make the cord detachable from the apparatus 1.

[0042] The heater 18 may be controlled by conventional heatercontrollers as are available on the market, such as those made byWatlow. Controllers typically are designed to work with temperaturesensing devices such as thermocouples resistance temperature detectors(RTD's) and or thermistors.

[0043] Optionally, in further embodiments, the apparatus 1 can beprovided with additional circuitry to measure humidity using a humiditysensor. Humidity sensors are available through Omega Engineering locatedin Atlanta, Georgia, which can supply both the sensor and circuitry forreading and display. Additionally, optionally, the temperature of thegas and the humidity of the gas could be displayed with additionalcircuitry. A remote power unit, part of the insufflator, or part of anyother device used in the Operating Room associated with endoscopicprocedures could provide the additional circuitry to display thisinformation. Based on the readings, adjustments could be made on theamount of moisture fed to the humidification material 24, or how muchheat should be applied, or both.

[0044] In one embodiment, control could also be tied to the insufflatorto supply the circuitry mentioned above. By monitoring characteristicsin temperature, gas volume used, gas flow rate and/or humidity readings,the insufflator could dynamically control the variables to maintainoptimum conditions.

[0045] The core 20 may be made of, but not limited to, plastic or asheet metal. Some of the plastics that may be used for the core 20include polycarbonate, Ryton™, Vespel™, or any of the high temperatureplastics. A sheet metal such as aluminum coated with a non-conductivesubstance may also be used for the core 20.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 includes a humidificationmaterial 24. The humidification material 24 both readily absorbsmoisture and readily releases it when exposed to a dry environment.Materials such as nylon and cotton are just a few of the manycommercially available fibers that can meet these requirements. Thehumidification material 24 can have a tubular inside and outsidesurface. Tubular refers to a smooth surface. Yet, it is envisioned infurther embodiments that the humidification material 24 may have apatterned or varying 15 degrees of a non-smooth surface.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the humidification material 24 used in thepreferred embodiment has a smooth inner surface and a serrated orstar-like shaped outer surface to maximize surface area in the shortestpossible linear space. FIG. 4 shows the preferred embodiment including afirst and a second section of the humidification material 24. Eachsection of the humidification material 24 is approximately an inch longwith an inner channel in intimate contact with the heater 18. Each ofthese serrated sections is slid over the core 20 that contains theheater 18. Preferably, a {fraction (1/4)} inch gap should be between theserrated sections. In one embodiment, a plastic spacer may be insertedbetween the serrated sections to provide the gap. In a preferredembodiment, the first and second serrated sections should be set out ofphase with each other to force turbulence of the gas and increase thesurface area of the material as it passes over the sections. Note thatthe first and second serrated sections can be formed from a singleserrated material by cutting the single serrated material so that thetwo serrated sections are formed. After cutting, the two serratedsections are rotated relative to one another until the desired phasedifference between the two sections is achieved.

[0048] The flow of CO₂ gas over the absorbent material is affected bythe shape of the absorbent material and/or the channel within the shell26. In one embodiment, the absorbent humidification material 24 may becylindrically shaped and surrounded by a coil used to direct the flow ofCO₂ gas. As the CO₂ gas travels through the windings of the coil, warmthand humidity are transferred to the CO₂ gas. The external surfaces ofthe coil rest against the inside of the shell 26 forming a seal thatforces the CO₂ gas to travel through or within the coil windings.

[0049] Other shapes and sizes can be used for the humidificationmaterial 24. Manufacturers of this humidification material 24 are PallMedical located in East Hills, N.Y. and Filtrona Richmond Inc. locatedin Richmond, Va.

[0050] The encased heater 18 elevates the temperature of thehumidification material 24 thereby elevating the temperature of themoisture it contains. The elevated temperature of the moisture leads tothe creation of a vapor absorbed into the gas as it flows over thehumidification material 24. Preferably, the humidification material 24has a configuration that presents a high surface area to the directionof gas flow to allow increased opportunity for the moisture to evaporateinto the gas thereby humidifying the gas.

[0051] In a further embodiment, shown for example in FIG. 2, turbulenceof the gas is created by the interior of the shell 26 covering thehumidification material 24 and heater 18 having a surface area that isof an irregular pattern or texture. This turbulence may be created usinga variety of structures. These structures may be located, for example,on or as part of the shell 26 or humidification material 24. Furtherexample of a structure for creating turbulence may be a spiral barrier.In additional embodiments, other structures may be incorporated, forexample, by being either attached to the humidification material 24 orinterior of the shell 26 of the apparatus 1.

[0052] The moisture applied to the humidification material 24 cancontain medications or additives that will evaporate and be carriedalong in the humidified gas to the patient. Levels of medication and/orfluid in the gas can be controlled by timed evaporation and adsorptionrates. Fluid could be infused by syringe, gravity feed through tubing,or by any number of pumps, to retain proper saturation levels.

[0053] The apparatus 1 will have a port 16 for the infusion of fluid forthe production of moisture. Moisture may include sterile water,medication, or a mixture of fluids required for merely humidification ordispensing of medication. The port 16 can be of the standard injectionport used typically in the medical industry, a valve, or any otherdevice, which can open or close allowing for the entrance of the fluid.

[0054] The apparatus 1 includes one or more temperature sensing devices(not shown) to regulate the heater 18. Each temperature-sensing devicecan be a resistive temperature device (RTD), a thermister, or athermocouple. In the preferred embodiment, a K type thermocouple isembedded inside the heater 18 to measure its temperature. Any number ofheater controller manufacturers such as Watlow or Hot Watt can providethe temperature sensing and control device. As shown in FIG. 1, theshell 26 is an oblong tube having an internal channel, but any shapethat will accommodate the internal elements of the device is acceptable.In the preferred embodiment, the internal channel of the shell 26 willbe smooth. In a further embodiment, any form of surface irregularity topromote turbulence without flow restriction is acceptable for the 15internal channel of the shell 26. The shell 26 has an output opening 28and an input opening 12 for the gas. The shell 26 additionally has afluid fill port 16 for the infusion of fluid. Although, other methods ofinserting the appropriate fluid or medicine in the shell 26 arepossible.

[0055] Overall length of the preferred embodiment will be between 3½ and4 inches. Preferably, the apparatus 1 will weigh approximately fourounces. The shell 26 can be made of any suitable material, for example,metal or plastic.

[0056] In additional embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, a humidity sensor34 may be included in the apparatus 1. Appropriate humidity sensors 34can be obtained from Omega Corporation located in Atlanta, Georgia.

[0057] Optionally, in further embodiments, in addition to thetemperature sensing device described above, an external temperaturesensing device 32 can be inserted in the insufflation tubing 10 justoutside of the gas outlet 28. The same types of temperature sensingdevices internal to the apparatus 1 as described above can be used. Thisdevice 32 measures the downstream temperature of the gas.

[0058] The temperature of the gas is related to the temperature of theheater 18. The temperature sensing device located within the heater 18measures the temperature of the heater 18. The temperature of the gas isnot directly measured. Rather, the resulting temperature of the gascorrelates to the temperature of the heater.

[0059] The warmed and humidified gas leaves the apparatus 1 through agas outlet 28. The gas outlet may be a series of holes. The gas thenenters the insufflation tubing 10 for possible delivery to a patient.

[0060] Another embodiment of a gas humidification apparatus is shown inFIGS. 5-12. In a manner similar to the devices of FIGS. 1-4, the gashumidification apparatus 201 can be used in conjunction with aninsufflation device. In particular the gas humidification apparatus 201is located downstream from a gas source for the insufflation device. Thegas humidification apparatus 201 may be constructed as a re-useable ordisposable product.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 9 and 10, a gas inlet port 212 isattached through a side portion of a front cap 213 of the gashumidification apparatus 201. In addition, an inlet port 215 is attachedthrough a central portion of the front cap 213. The inlet port 215allows for electrical components and wiring to be inserted into the gashumidification apparatus 201. The gas humidification apparatus 201 canbe modified so that the ports 212 and 215 are interchanged with oneanother.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the cap 213 includes an annular metallicheater housing 217 that is attached thereto. The heater housing 217 isin fluid communication with the gas inlet port 212. The heater housing217 contains a heater cartridge that is well known in the art. Whenactivated the heater cartridge heats up the interior and body of theheater housing 217 so that gases within and outside the heater housing217 are heated. The heater housing 217 also includes a plurality ofcircular holes 219 having a diameter of approximately 0.1″ (0.254 cm).Other shapes and sizes for the holes 219 are possible, such astriangular and square shaped openings. When gas flows into the gashumidification apparatus 201 via the gas inlet port 212, the gas flowsinto the heater housing 217, where it is heated if necessary, and thenflows out of the holes 219. As shown in FIG. 5, there are approximatelysixteen holes 219 that are arranged equidistantly from one another alongan annular ring. The holes 219 of the heater housing 217 improve therate of heating of the gas within the gas humidification apparatus 201and create turbulence for the gas flowing within the gas humidificationapparatus 201.

[0063] Two of the holes 219 preferably have their own RTD sensor. Thesesensors operate in the same manner as the temperature sensors for theembodiments of FIGS. 1-4. In particular, the temperature measured by thetwo sensors are compared with one another to determine if one or both ofthe sensors is defective.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, a rear cylindrical portion 223 of the heaterhousing 217 is snugly inserted into a cylindrical central opening of ahumidification material 224 that is preferably made of the same materialas the humidification materials 24 described previously with respect toFIGS. 1-4. A washer 221 is fitted over the rear portion 223 and abutsagainst the rear face of the humidification material 224 and acts as astop in that it prevents the humidification material 224 from slippingoff of the rear portion 223 and being wedged into an outlet 228.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, the gas humidification apparatus201 can further include a plate 225 positioned between the front orproximal end of the humidification material 224 and the heater housing217. Since the holes 219 face the front end of the humidificationmaterial 224, the plate 225 allows the gas to flow along the exposedside of the humidification material. Note that the gas will flow alongthe side of the humidification material with or without the presence ofthe plate 225.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 12, the humidification material 224 has astar-like pattern with ten to twelve points that aid in generatingturbulence in the gas within the gas humidification apparatus 201 in asimilar manner that the humidification material 24 of FIGS. 1 and 4 do.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, a second humidification material224 may be spaced from the first humidification material by a spacer andout of phase with the first humidification material in the same manneras described previously with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 4.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5, the assembled humidification material 224 andwasher 221 and the inlet port 215 and the heater housing 217 areinserted into a housing or shell 226. After insertion, the front cap 213is screwed on or snap fit onto the heater housing 217. The housing 226is made of a suitable material, such as plastic or metal, and has adownstream outlet 228 that allows the gas to flow outside of the housing226.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 5-9 and 11, the housing 226 includes a port 216that allows fluid to be infused by syringe, gravity feed through tubing,or by any number of pumps, to the humidification material 224. Thefluids infused may include sterile water, medication, or a mixture offluids required for merely humidification or dispensing of medication.The interior end of the port 216 is positioned so that infused fluidsdrip into the housing 226 and are soaked up by the entire humidificationmaterial 224 by capillary action. The port 216 is similar to the port 16described previously with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 5-9, the housing 226 is inserted into a sleeveor shroud 230 so that the port 216 is slid along a slit 232 formed inthe sleeve 230 and the outlet 228 extends through a rear opening 234 ofthe sleeve 230. The sleeve 230 is snap fit to the housing 226. Thesleeve 230 is made of a thermal insulation material that retains theheat within the housing 226 so that a person can handle the sleeve 230without fear of being exposed to excessive heat and withoutsignificantly heating up the ambient atmosphere.

[0071] Note that the sleeve 230, the housing 226 and the humidificationmaterial 224 may be disposable while the cap 213 and its attached heaterhousing 217 may be reusable.

[0072] The gas humidification apparatus 201 may include the temperaturesensors, humidity sensors and control circuitry previously describedwith respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 and 18 so that thetemperature and humidity of the gas flowing within the apparatus anddelivered to a patient via outlet 228 is controlled.

[0073] Another embodiment of a gas humidification apparatus is shown inFIGS. 13-17. The gas humidification apparatus 301 essentially has thesame structure as the gas humidification apparatus 201 of FIGS. 5-12 andso like components will be designated with like numerals. One differenceis that a second port 302 is added to the housing 226. The second port302 is positioned between the humidification material 224 and the outlet228 so as to allow a distal end of a catheter 304 to be inserted intothe port 302. Depending on the intended material to be delivered to thepatient, the distal end of the catheter 304 may be positioned within theport 302, within the interior of the gas humidification apparatus 301 orwithin a tube attached to the outlet 228 and in fluid communication witha section of a patient, or within the section of the patient. An exampleof a catheter that can be inserted into the gas humidification apparatus201 is the catheter described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,223, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other devicescan be inserted into the port 302 in a similar manner as described abovewith respect to catheter 304, such as a lumen and an endoscope.Furthermore, gases, liquids, aerosols and medicines may be conveyed to apatient by a tube or other know dispensing devices inserted through theport 302 and exiting out of the outlet 228 into the patient. Note thatthe materials dispensed into the port 302 by the above-mentioneddispensing devices may have properties that raise the humidity of thegas within the interior of the gas humidification apparatus 301.

[0074] The gas humidification apparatus 301 may include the temperaturesensors, humidity sensors and control circuitry previously describedwith respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 and 18 so that thetemperature and humidity of the gas flowing within the apparatus anddelivered to a patient is controlled.

[0075] In each of the devices for humidifying and/or warming a gasdescribed previously with respect to FIGS. 1-18, it is desired that theflowing gas achieves a humidity that ranges from approximately 80 to 100percent humidity and achieves a temperature that ranges fromapproximately 90 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit at a constant flow rate ofapproximately 20 liters per minute.

[0076] The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presentlyconsidered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Asnoted, the discussion above is descriptive, illustrative and exemplaryand is not to be taken as limiting the scope defined by any appendedclaims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalents are intended to be embraced therein.

We claim:
 1. A gas humidification apparatus comprising: an inlet; ahumidification device in fluid communication with said inlet, saidhumidification device comprising: a humidification material that readilyabsorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dryenvironment, wherein said humidification material has a configurationthat generates turbulence in a gas as it passes over a surface of saidhumidification material; an outlet in fluid communication with saidhumidification device.
 2. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 1,wherein said surface of said humidification material is patterned. 3.The gas humidification apparatus of claim 2, wherein said surface ofsaid humidification material is serrated.
 4. The gas humidificationapparatus of claim 2, wherein said surface of said humidificationmaterial is star-shaped.
 5. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 2,wherein said surface of said humidification material varies 15 degreesof a non-smooth surface.
 6. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 2,wherein said surface of said humidification material is irregularlypatterned.
 7. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidsurface of said humidification material is maximized in surface area inthe shortest possible linear space.
 8. The gas humidification apparatusof claim 1, wherein said humidification device further comprises asecond humidification material that is spaced from said humidificationmaterial and readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture whenexposed to a dry environment, wherein said second humidificationmaterial has a configuration that generates turbulence for a gas thatshould pass over a surface of said second humidification surface.
 9. Thegas humidification apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a spacerinterposed between said humidification material and said secondhumidification material.
 10. The gas humidification apparatus of claim8, wherein said surface of said second humidification material ispatterned.
 11. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 10, whereinsaid surface of said second humidification material is out of phase withrespect to said surface of said humidification material.
 12. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 1, wherein said humidificationmaterial comprises a medication infused therein.
 13. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a heater. 14.The gas humidification apparatus of claim 13, wherein said heater ispositioned separate from said humidification device.
 15. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 14, wherein said heater is positionedupstream from said humidification device.
 16. The gas humidificationapparatus of claim 13, wherein said humidification device envelops saidheater.
 17. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 13, furthercomprising a core into which said heater is inserted.
 18. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 17, wherein said core comprises anon-conductive material.
 19. The gas humidification apparatus of claim1, further comprising a humidity sensor for measuring humidity of a gasthat flows within said gas humidification apparatus.
 20. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a temperaturesensor for measuring a temperature of a gas that flows within said gashumidification apparatus.
 21. The gas humidification apparatus of claim19, further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring a temperatureof said gas that flows within said gas humidification apparatus.
 22. Thegas humidification apparatus of claim 20, wherein said temperaturesensor measures said temperature of said gas in an indirect manner. 23.The gas humidification apparatus of claim 13, further comprising atemperature sensor for measuring a temperature of a gas that flowswithin said gas humidification apparatus.
 24. The gas humidificationapparatus of claim 23, wherein said temperature sensor measures saidtemperature of said gas in an indirect manner by measuring a temperatureof said heater.
 25. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 19,further comprising a control device connected to said humidity sensorthat controls humidity within said gas humidification apparatus based ona signal from said humidity sensor.
 26. The gas humidification apparatusof claim 20, further comprising a control device connected to saidtemperature sensor that controls temperature within said gashumidification apparatus based on a signal from said temperature sensor.27. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 21, further comprising acontrol device connected to said humidity sensor and said temperaturesensor that controls humidity and temperature within said gashumidification apparatus based on signals from said humidity sensor andsaid temperature sensor.
 28. The gas humidification apparatus of claim1, further comprising: a port in fluid communication with said gashumidification apparatus; and a catheter inserted into said port.
 29. Agas humidification apparatus comprising: an inlet; a humidificationdevice in fluid communication with said inlet, said humidificationdevice comprising: a humidification material that readily absorbsmoisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dryenvironment, wherein said humidification material is placed within ashell that has a configuration that generates turbulence in a gas as itpasses over a surface of said shell; an outlet in fluid communicationwith said humidification device.
 30. The gas humidification apparatus ofclaim 29, further comprising a coil positioned adjacent to said shellthat forces a gas to travel through or within said coil.
 31. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 29, wherein said shell comprises aninterior surface with an irregular pattern.
 32. The gas humidificationapparatus of claim 29, wherein said shell comprises an interior surfacewith a spiral barrier.
 33. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 29,wherein said humidification material is cylindrical in shape.
 34. Thegas humidification apparatus of claim 29, wherein said humidificationmaterial comprises a medication infused therein.
 35. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 29, further comprising a heater.
 36. Agas humidification apparatus comprising: an inlet; a humidificationdevice in fluid communication with said inlet, said humidificationdevice comprising: a heater housing comprising a heater and a pluralityof openings; a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture andreadily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment; an outletin fluid communication with said humidification device.
 37. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 36, wherein said plurality of openingshave a configuration that generates turbulence in a gas as it passesthrough said plurality of openings.
 38. The gas humidification apparatusof claim 36, wherein said surface of said humidification material ispatterned.
 39. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 38, whereinsaid surface of said humidification material is serrated.
 40. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 38, wherein said surface of saidhumidification material is star-shaped.
 41. The gas humidificationapparatus of claim 36, wherein said humidification device furthercomprises a second humidification material that is spaced from saidhumidification material and readily absorbs moisture and readilyreleases moisture when exposed to a dry environment, wherein said secondhumidification material has a configuration that generates turbulencefor a gas that should pass over a surface of said second humidificationsurface.
 42. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 41, furthercomprising a spacer interposed between said humidification material andsaid second humidification material.
 43. The gas humidificationapparatus of claim 41, wherein said surface of said secondhumidification material is patterned.
 44. The gas humidificationapparatus of claim 43, wherein said surface of said secondhumidification material is out of phase with respect to said surface ofsaid humidification material.
 45. The gas humidification apparatus ofclaim 36, wherein said humidification material comprises a medicationinfused therein.
 46. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 36,further comprising a humidity sensor for measuring humidity of a gasthat flows within said gas humidification apparatus.
 47. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 36, further comprising a temperaturesensor for measuring a temperature of a gas that flows within said gashumidification apparatus.
 48. The gas humidification apparatus of claim46, further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring a temperatureof said gas that flows within said gas humidification apparatus.
 49. Thegas humidification apparatus of claim 47, wherein said temperaturesensor measures said temperature of said gas in an indirect manner. 50.The gas humidification apparatus of claim 46, further comprising acontrol device connected to said humidity sensor that controls humiditywithin said gas humidification apparatus based on a signal from saidhumidity sensor.
 51. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 47,further comprising a control device connected to said temperature sensorthat controls temperature within said gas humidification apparatus basedon a signal from said temperature sensor.
 52. The gas humidificationapparatus of claim 48, further comprising a control device connected tosaid humidity sensor and said temperature sensor that controls humidityand temperature within said gas humidification apparatus based onsignals from said humidity sensor and said temperature sensor.
 53. Thegas humidification apparatus of claim 36, further comprising: a port influid communication with said gas humidification apparatus; and acatheter inserted into said port.
 54. A gas humidification apparatuscomprising: inlet means for supplying a gas; turbulence means forgenerating turbulence in said gas; and outlet means for expelling saidturbulent gas from said gas humidification apparatus.
 55. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 54, wherein said turbulence meanscomprises a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture andreadily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment.
 56. The gashumidification apparatus of claim 54, further comprising means forheating said gas.
 57. The gas humidification apparatus of claim 54,further comprising: a port in fluid communication with said gashumidification apparatus; and a catheter inserted into said port.
 58. Amethod of humidifying a gas comprising: supplying a gas to a surface ofa humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readilyreleases moisture when exposed to a dry environment; and generatingturbulence in said gas as it passes over said surface of saidhumidification material.
 59. The method of claim 58, further comprisingsupplying said turbulent gas to a patient.
 60. The method of claim 58,further comprising measuring humidity of said gas.
 61. The method ofclaim 58, further comprising measuring a temperature of said gas. 62.The method of claim 60, further comprising measuring a temperature ofsaid gas.
 63. The method of claim 61, wherein said measuring saidtemperature of said gas is done in an indirect manner.
 64. The method ofclaim 60, further comprising controlling said humidity of said gas basedon said measured humidity.
 65. The method of claim 61, furthercomprising controlling said temperature of said gas based on saidmeasured temperature.
 66. The method of claim 62, further comprising:controlling said humidity of said gas based on said measured humidity;and controlling said temperature of said gas based on said measuredtemperature.
 67. A method of humidifying a gas comprising: warming agas; humidifying said gas; and placing a catheter in fluid communicationwith said gas during said humidifying.
 68. The method of claim 67,further comprising generating turbulence in said gas during saidhumidifying.
 69. The method of claim 67, further comprising supplyingsaid gas to a patient.
 70. A gas apparatus comprising: an inlet; aheater in fluid communication with said inlet, a temperature sensor formeasuring a temperature of a gas that flows within said gas apparatus inan indirect manner.
 71. The gas apparatus of claim 70, wherein saidtemperature sensor measures said temperature of said gas in an indirectmanner by measuring a temperature of said heater.
 72. The gas apparatusof claim 70, further comprising a humidification material that readilyabsorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dryenvironment.
 73. The gas apparatus of claim 72, wherein saidhumidification material has a configuration that generates turbulencefor a gas that should pass over a surface of said humidificationmaterial.
 74. A method of humidifying a gas comprising: warming a gas;humidifying said gas; and flowing said gas over a surface of ahumidifier.
 75. The method of claim 74, further comprising generatingturbulence in said gas during said humidifying.
 76. The method of claim74, further comprising generating turbulence in said gas during saidflowing.
 77. The method of claim 74, further comprising supplying saidgas to a patient.